Toxicity of fenvalerate to bobwhite quail (colinus virginianus) including brain and liver residues associated with mortality

Abstract

The toxicity of the synthetic pyrethroid [insecticide] fenvalerate to bobwhite quail (C. virginianus) was examined. The acute oral LD50 to adult (19-wk-old) male and female birds was > 4000 mg/kg. The LD50 to immature (5-wk-old) birds was 1785 mg/kg. Dietary toxicity testing with 2-wk-old chicks indicated an 8 day LC50 > 15,000 ppm. Observed signs of intoxication included hyperactivity, irregular locomotion, ataxia, spastic muscle contractions and, preceding death, sternal recumbency with muscle flaccidity. Significant weight loss (adult birds) or reduction in rate of weight gain (immature birds and chicks) was noted generally at all dose levels in the acute testing, but only at the highest level in the dietary test. Brain residue levels associated with mortality increased with the dose (means of 0.10-1.26 ppm); liver residues remained constant (overall mean of 0.774 ppm).